New ramps opened this morning connecting downtown Bellevue to I-405 and SR 520. The changes eliminate the weaving and congestion drivers often experience on northbound I-405 near SR 520.

The new ramps, part of the $107.5 million Bellevue Braids Project, opened sooner than anticipated.

“We’re excited to have these ramps open nine months early,” said WSDOT Project Engineer Seema Javeri. “Now drivers will experience benefits of the project before we finish up the segment on SR 520.”

More than 200 signs in and around Bellevue are now directing drivers to SR 520 and I-405 using the new ramps.

Drivers will need to follow the signs and adjust to the changes:

Drivers will no longer have access to SR 520 from NE Eighth Street.

Drivers bound for SR 520 should use NE 10th Street.

Drivers headed to I-405 should take NE Eighth Street. Drivers will use a longer ramp to reach northbound I-405.

Mainline drivers on northbound I-405 should prepare to exit to SR 520 nearly one-half mile earlier than usual.

In spring 2012, crews will open another leg of the ramp to SR 520, east of 124th Ave NE. The ramp will allow drivers to bypass the busy 124th Ave. N.E. exit and connect to SR 520 at 130th Ave N.E.